Waiting for God’s “Yes!” - Charlaine Martin

Read: 1 Samuel 16:1-13

Focus passage: “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 NLT.

Discouraged with mid-life dating, I sat in the sanctuary waiting for the worship service to start. I prayed, “Lord, I’m so discouraged about the men I’ve encountered so far. A year after my late husband passed away from a long battle with cancer, I decided to date again. So, I made a list of the qualities I wanted in a future husband. I encountered so many fake Christians and those with a solid Christian testimony had been jaded in life, I was ready to give up.

As I pondered mid-life dating, God answered my prayer with 1 Samuel 16. I opened my Bible and began reading. This verse stood out on the page, “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 NLT.

Stunned, I heard Him say, “Charlaine, this isn’t a shopping trip. You are looking for My man for you. Ask me, “Yes?” or “No?” with each one you meet. Wait for My “Yes!” And that’s just what I did. I’ve been happily married to my Boaz now for eight years.

Take a Look

Our passage for today reveals that Saul was a terrible king for Israel. God gave His people what they asked for–a king without a heart for God. A king like all the other countries kings. He looked the part but didn’t have God’s heart for the people. When Saul overstepped his bounds, God disqualified him.

God gave Samuel, the prophet-priest, the task of looking for Israel’s new king. God led him to a man named Jesse, who had eight sons. He offered a sacrifice with them and then asked for each son to pass by him. Samuel got caught up looking for a man who looked like king material. But God said, “No.” about each one of these seven men. Confused, Samuel asked Jesse if these were all his sons and discovered there was one more. When Samuel met the shepherd boy, he announced, “This is the one!” and anointed him the next king of Israel. David would become the beginning of the Messiah’s lineage, whose rule would never end.

What Next?

Are you discouraged looking for a job, a new friend, the next neighbor, or a spouse? Prayerfully pour over this passage, asking God to show you who, where, when, and what. Jumping for what you want could lead to disaster. Waiting means active seeking while you communicate with God. He has precisely the right one for you. All you need to do is ask and wait until you have His approval. He will give you far more than you can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). You can’t go wrong waiting for God’s “Yes!”

Prayer: Lord, I’m sorry I go shopping for what I want rather than asking You for what You want for me. Please, show me who, what, where, and when you have set aside for me. Then, give me Your “Yes!” with the right one. Thank you for sparing me heartache and disappointment by blessing me with Your best. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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